Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his full Serie A debut when Antonio Conte’s Napoli visit Davide Nicola’s Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday evening.
The Belgian, who scored on his first Partenopei appearance prior to the international break, is expected to be the starting centre-forward for the 2024-25 season. His introduction likely means Giacomo Raspadori dropping to the bench, despite an encouraging display for Italy against France last weekend.
Lukaku is likely to be flanked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano.
New signings Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour may have to wait a touch longer for their first Serie A starts, as Conte is tipped to stick with Stanislav Lobotka and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa in midfield for now.
There could be some familiar new faces in the Cagliari line-up as well, as Gianluca Gaetano, currently on loan from Napoli, is expected to feature, possibly from the start.
Kick-off is set for 17.30 BST.
Cagliari vs Napoli – probable line-ups
Cagliari (3-5-2): Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Deiola, Marin, Gaetano, Augello; Luvumbo, Piccoli.
Napoli (3-4-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Mazzocchi, Anguissa, Lobotka, Spinazzola; Politano, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku.
